Dual-Use Light Element for Optical Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light emitting systems require additional photodetector elements for control, increasing complexity, cost, and reducing reliability, as they need to provide stable optical power and spectral content while being difficult to fabricate and package.
Innovation Solution
A system where light elements are alternately operated as both light emitting and detecting elements, managed by a computer system to eliminate the need for additional active elements, allowing for cost savings, reduced size, improved reliability, and extended operating life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If additional photodetector elements are introduced for control, then instant control of optical output is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling light emitting elements to perform both light emission and light detection functions. The light emitting element is configured to emit light during a first time period and detect light during a second time period, eliminating the need for separate dedicated photodetector elements while maintaining instant control capability through the dual-function element
2Reliability
If dedicated photodetector elements are included, then optical output control is improved, but fabrication and packaging difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light emitting and light detecting functions into a single integrated element. The light emitting element is configured to both emit light and detect light at different time periods, consolidating what would traditionally require separate components into one unit, thereby simplifying fabrication and packaging processes while maintaining optical stability
3Ease of operation
If additional photodetector elements are added, then control capability is enhanced, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces device cost by implementing multi-functionality in the light emitting element, which performs both emission and detection roles. This eliminates the need to purchase and integrate additional dedicated photodetector components, thereby reducing overall device cost while maintaining control repeatability through the dual-function element
4Adaptability or versatility
If more active elements are introduced, then system functionality is improved, but operating life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends operating life by merging multiple functions into a single light emitting element that alternates between emission and detection modes. This reduces the total number of active elements in the system, thereby reducing the number of potential failure points and extending overall system operating life while maintaining full functionality through temporal separation of functions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables instant control and stabilization of light output, reduces complexity and cost, and extends the system's operational life by using the same light element for emission and detection, thereby improving reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
one or more of a plurality of light elements is alternately operated as a light emitting element and a light detecting element
Data Source
AI summary
A solution is provided in which one or more of a plurality of light elements is alternately operated as a light emitting element and a light detecting element. For example, a system can operate a light element as a light detecting element while operating at least one other light element as a light emitting element in order to manage operation of the light elements to generate light having a set of desired attributes, evaluating an operating condition of the other light element(s), and/or the like.